Under the sky

Chapter 271 The disaster is hidden

Kunlun, December 90, winter

Before going to Taiping Pavilion to meet Wen Jingren, Shen Yuqing listened to the latest news in Juntian Palace.This was Shen Weichen's first time participating in political discussions. In addition to Xie Gubai, there were also Ni Yan and Shen Lianyun present.

Shen Weichen listened most of the time and rarely spoke.

"Hengshan's battlefield in Changsha was relatively optimistic. Xu Fangge tried to intercept the Shaolin reinforcements, but failed in the end. Shaolin disciples were stationed outside Changsha City, echoing inside the city, and the morale of the Changsha garrison was greatly boosted."

Ni Yan was a little uncomfortable, and Shen Yuqing found that he peeked at Shen Weichen from time to time, as if she was intrusive just standing in the Juntian Palace.It used to be Mrs. Chu. Although since her father was under house arrest, her mother had to monitor him all the time and participated in political discussions less often, she still couldn't take time off. Now that there are many girls in the hall, Ni Yan must be even more uncomfortable.

Thinking of my mother, no matter what I want to do recently, my mother doesn't seem to object.

"Dian Cang was blocked in Qidong, and the stalemate has been going on for several months. Zhuge Ran himself did not take it down." Ni Yan continued to report on the battle situation.

"Why has the stalemate here been so long?" Shen Weichen asked, "Before Dian Cang, the momentum was so strong, how come it stagnated after the Leng Shui Beach was conquered?"

Ni Yan said respectfully: "The fourth master and the head of Yin have been harassing me from behind, making it difficult for Dian Cang to get all the credit. Another reason is that Dian Cang is worried that Qingcheng will use his retreat and dare not send all his troops to the front line. It is estimated that Dian Cang is afraid of Qingcheng's attack on him." Cang sent out [-] disciples and mobilized [-] civilians this time, and it looks like he has no intention of retreating."

"Hengshan is not easy to conquer. The defenders have an advantage over the attackers. If Hengshan cannot defend itself, it will be difficult for Dian Cang to capture Hengyang." Xie Gubai held the stove in his arms.Because of his health, Shen Yuqing gave him a special seat.He was wrapped in a thick black blanket. Juntian Palace was too big and empty enough for moisture to break into the sediment unbridled. Shen Yuqing ordered the doors and windows to be closed and a stove was lit in the hall.

Dian Cang sent several groups of envoys to Hengshan, but Li Xuanxuan refused to receive them.Dian Cang's purpose has always been clear, which is to force peace with war and get Hengshan to sign an alliance under the city and give up his position as alliance leader.Shen Yuqing calculated that Qingcheng's reinforcements would arrive in Hengyang in about three days. Zhuge Ran would be even more anxious when he heard that Huashan was defeated.

Shen Lianyun teased Ni Yan coldly, asking him if he still thought it was difficult for Dian Cang to win and should have shown favor at the beginning, which made Ni Yan angry and started a dispute with him.There is nothing wrong with Ni Yan. He just wants to maintain Qingcheng's usual middle-of-the-road approach. Shen Lianyun is sometimes too aggressive and he should be warned.

After the meeting dispersed, Shen Yuqing asked Shen Weichen: "What do you think, little sister?"

Shen Weichen shook his head: "I have thought about it a lot, and I feel it is inappropriate, so I just listened quietly."

This is the first time Shen Weichen has participated in discussions. She is a girl and has never learned to deal with political affairs. She only occasionally heard her brother and father talk about it, but no one likes to talk about these troublesome things. At that time, no one thought that she had always been gentle and obedient. Shun Xiaoxiao will stand in Juntian Hall one day to listen to political affairs.

Shen Yuqing said: "There are a lot of things to learn, don't be busy for a while." Then he said, "Just say whatever comes to mind."

"I heard that Deputy Commander Zhuge is in Qidong." Shen Weichen said, "With him in charge, this battle will be difficult to fight. Should we attack their granaries or cut off their food routes?"

"It's not that easy." Xie Gubai said, "Diancang is very powerful, unmatched by Huashan, and he also has the Lingling granary. Ni Yan said that they bought rice from nowhere, and they have enough food. Even if they take Guilin, they won't be able to do it. It may not be possible to decide in one battle. Moreover, there is no natural danger like Micang Road between Xiangdi and Guidi. They can retreat slowly or hold on until they can recapture Guilin again."

Shen Yuqing said: "The most important thing is Deputy Commander Zhuge. It will not be easy for him to make mistakes."

Shen Weichen said: "People will always make mistakes."

"We may make mistakes before he does." Xie Gubai held the hand stove and pondered.

Shen Weichen asked: "Mr. Xie, do you have any ideas?"

Xie Gubai nodded. He was a little sleepy. This was a new problem after winter, but he had to cheer up: "A few months ago, the leader sent people to Diancang."

“Mr.

"It's not a trick, people have used it in the past dynasties, it's just a few songs." Xie Gubai said, "I hope it will be useful."

A disciple stepped forward and said respectfully: "Master, Mr. Wen has arrived."

"Ask him to wait in Taiping Pavilion for a while." Shen Yuqing ordered.

Shen Weichen hesitated and said: "Brother, shall I go with you?"

Shen Yuqing shook his head: "You guys wait for me outside."

"It's better for me to go." Xie Gubai said, "Ruoshan died for me."

■

The two disciples carried the fire into the reception hall. Outside the door, Xie Gubai stepped down from the sedan chair wearing a heavy black leather jacket.The fog in Ba County is always disturbing, and the floor still has traces of water from the early morning, as if it won't dry out.

"Thank you, sir." Wen Jingren stood up and bowed with respect.

"Master Wen, please sit down." Xie Gubai motioned to Wen Jingren to sit down, and the guards added two more pots of fire to the room.

"Why did Master Shen suddenly summon me?" Wen Jingren asked, "Is there something wrong with the prisoner exchange?"

"The leader is very satisfied with the prisoner exchange and specially ordered me to express his gratitude." Xie Gubai cupped his hands in thanks.

Wen Jingren returned the gift with his hand raised: "Businessmen chase profits for their own capital and run around just for small profits. They don't dare to accept thanks."

"I heard that Mr. Wen met other people when he returned to Qingcheng?" Xie Gubai asked.

Wen Jingren's expression changed, and then he softened: "I saw prisoners in Huashan, and I was entrusted..."

"Young master Wen, there is no need to make excuses." Xie Gubai said, "It was me who killed Ruo Shan."

Wen Jingren immediately fell silent.

He didn't ask Xie Gubai why he knew, nor did he pursue the matter of Shen Lianyun sending someone to monitor him as soon as he entered Qingcheng. He was very careful and guessed that he would be monitored, but this was the boundary of Qingcheng and he was just a businessman. but.

For a long time, neither of them spoke again.Xie Gubai's hands hidden under his leather jacket repeatedly rubbed the stove, paying close attention to the changes in Wen Jingren's face.This businessman from Longdi is Ruoshan's brother, but there are also differences between the brothers like Shen Yongci and Shen Yayan. He may be as smart as Ruoshan, but he will never be as gentle as Ruoshan.

"Is this all Mr. Xie wants to say?" he asked, "How does Master Shen plan to deal with me?"

"Ruoshan and I knew each other and became friends, and we agreed to help Mingzhu together." Xie Gubai said, "We found him, but Ruoshan didn't survive. He died for me."

"Do you think it's worth it?" Wen Jingren asked.

"I can't answer this question." Xie Gubai said, "But if I die now, it won't be worth it."

"Who did it?" Wen Jingren asked, "Tangmen or Qingcheng?"

"He and the Supreme Leader don't have the same ideas."

"Kill him if you don't agree with him?" Wen Jingren suddenly raised his voice.

"We found evidence in Hezhou that Master Tai framed Master Ya, but Master Tai discovered it." Xie Gubai used one lie to cover up another lie, "This is also the reason why Master Ya rebelled and Master Tai was placed under house arrest." . This is Qingcheng’s secret, no one knows it, except you, me and a few people from the Shen family.”

He couldn't explain Shen Yongci's conspiracy. The conspiracy to bring disaster to the Nine Families would involve the barbarians. It was not a good idea to blame the barbarians. Now Qingcheng must sever ties with the barbarians.He was not sure whether Wen Jingren would pursue the case further, so the best way was to give him a reason why he couldn't pursue it: "This is Qingcheng's scandal. Qingcheng doesn't want it to be leaked, nor does it want anyone to investigate in detail."

The fire was burning with fine silver charcoal, and Xie Gubai couldn't stand the fireworks.Wen Jingren widened his collar and seemed to feel a little hot, but he put his hand in front of the fire to warm it.On the twelfth lunar month day, Xie Gubai suddenly remembered that night with a heavy snowstorm. Wen Ruoshan also put his hands in front of the stove to bake, but Qingcheng was not as cold as the north.

"What do you want?" Wen Jingren asked, "Do you want me to stop pursuing you, or do you want me to silence you?"

"It's what you want." Xie Gubai said, "There is no justice. Head Shen can only do his best to compensate."

"You said you were Ruoshan's best friend." Wen Jingren asked, "What do you think we can do to compensate?"

Xie Gubai was silent. With his eloquence, he couldn't say a word at this moment.

"I won't investigate further." Wen Jingren said, "I don't have the ability to deal with the nine people. Please rest assured, Mr. Xie." He stood up, cupped his hands and said, "I'm sorry, please leave."

He was still respectful and polite, and walked straight to the door. Xie Gubai still wanted to persuade him to stay, but he didn't like the ambiguous result.Although Wen Jingren is just a businessman, his courage and ability cannot be underestimated because he can travel alone in the Hengshan Mountains of Qingcheng, Huashan Mountain. He must be on guard against burning up the house, especially since he is Ruoshan's brother. Xie Gubai doesn't want to see him with him. Qingcheng is the enemy.

But he couldn't say it. What should we use to pay for Wen Ruoshan's life?
"Master Wen, please wait." A familiar voice came from the door. It was Shen Yuqing. Was he worried after all, or was he planning to wait at the door to apologize to Wen Jingren?

Wen Jingren stopped in front of the door, hesitant, or a little surprised and nervous.

Shen Yuqing had already walked in.

"What Mr. Xie told is not the truth." Shen Yuqing said softly, "Mr. Xie and I made up a story. I hope Mr. Wen can stop here and stop investigating the cause of Ruoshan's death."

"But Shen regrets that he should not have deceived Ruoshan's brother with lies." Shen Yuqing pointed to the table and said, "Master Wen, please sit down."

Wen Jingren sat back, but Shen Yuqing did not sit down. He cupped his hands and said, "Ruoshan and I hit it off as old friends, and we promised to be our confidants. He helped me to overcome the Tang Clan rebellion. He treated me as a national scholar, but I couldn't treat him as a national scholar." I must return the gift to him, and it was my father who killed him."

Shen Yuqing clenched her fists slightly.

"The reason cannot be detailed, but I want to say to Mr. Wen——"

"Ruo Shan was a man of great talent. He should have been my right-hand man. His death made Shen extremely sad and regretful. Nothing in the world can compensate for his life, not even Shen can." Something like this.”

"It is the pain of my life that I cannot avenge him. Shen..." Shen Yu leaned forward and bowed, "please apologize to Mr. Wen."

"That's it?" Wen Jingren asked, "an apology?"

"Shen also wants to ask Master Wen to help me fulfill Ruo Shan's unfinished wish."

"What did you say?" Wen Jingren stood up suddenly. Although he tried his best to hide it, his teeth were still trembling, "You want me to help you?"

"This is the best condolence for Ruo Shan." Shen Yuqing said, "I believe that if Ruo Shan were still alive, he would hope that Mr. Wen would join forces with his brothers to conspire for a great cause." "That is your great cause." Wen Jingren said , "Not Ruo Shan."

"Does Mr. Wen not know that Ruo Shan has the ambition to fly thousands of miles?" Shen Yuqing asked.

Wen Jingren remained silent, and after a long time he said: "Those words, I always thought he was talking nonsense. I never took it seriously about the world about to be in chaos or the secret ways of the barbarians."

Wen Ruoshan wanted to fly, but couldn't wait until the wind blew up.Xie Gubai understood that those two years of travel were ultimately just lies. If Ruo Shan was still there, he would be able to show off what he had learned and live up to his extraordinary ambitions.

"When the time is right, Shen will tell Mr. Wen everything about the cause of Ruoshan's death." Shen Yuqing said.

"I don't have the skills of my brother. I'm just a businessman. I can't help with the sect's major affairs. I can only accept the leader's good intentions." Wen Jingren said, "I will not investigate Ruoshan's affairs anymore. The redemption has been completed. I’m going back to Hengshan.”

Shen Yuqing could not keep Wen Jingren, so he and Xie Gubai sent Wen Jingren to the door together.

"If you need anything from now on, feel free to come to Qingcheng." Shen Yuqing said, "I owe Ruoshan this."

Just as Wen Jingren was about to move forward, Xie Gubai said: "Master Wen, when returning to Hengshan, if you pass through Hezhou, you can go to a brothel called Baipuyuan. There is a girl named Liu Qingluo there. She has met Ruoshan. .”

Wen Jingren nodded, and Shen Yuqing personally called a sedan chair for him, but his steps were a little frivolous.

"Brother, do you think I'm being abrupt?" Shen Yuqing asked, "I already hid this from Mr. Wen."

"No." Xie Gubai shook his head, "The leader is right, honesty is the best policy."

As a superior, the most valuable thing about Shen Yuqing is sincerity, but this is also the most fatal flaw for a superior.Why do people always look forward to a wise king, but also think that a wise king must be ruthless, good at maneuvering, and cruel to his enemies? At the same time, they also hope that he can give some charity to take care of his people, like a begging beast hoping that his master will treat him well?This wise king is ruthless and cruel to everyone he knows, but he is kind to the people he has never met, and he suffers from it?
An unkind leader only satisfies his own selfish desires.

"It's getting dark soon." Shen Yuqing looked up at the sky, "Let's go back to the Palace of Eternal Life."

Xie Gubai stopped his thoughts, tightened his fur, and said yes casually.

New Year's Eve, New Year's Eve.

As usual, the Shen brothers and sisters finished their family dinner and had another one. Compared with last year, there were two more people, Li Jingfeng and Amao.Zhu Menshang had learned from last year's experience and prepared gifts early. When he arrived at Taiping Pavilion, he saw Li Jingfeng preparing wine and food. Several refreshing and elegant dishes were suitable for drinking.

Zhu Menshang frowned: "Is there no cook in Qingcheng?"

Li Jingfeng said awkwardly: "My little sister said that she would give gifts during the New Year. I have no money and don't know what to give. This food and wine is a gift."

Zhu Menshang said angrily: "You didn't remind me last year. I'm too partial."

After that, everyone took their seats, and Shen Yuqing's brother and sister each gave red envelopes.Shen Yuqing gave Li Jingfeng a pair of wristbands. They were made of leather and wrapped with thin iron wires. They were much stronger than Li Jingfeng's homemade wooden wristbands.Xie Gubai gave Li Jingfenggu a map of his grave.

"The Solitary Cemetery is dangerous, and many of the rules are different from those outside. There is a mark on it. You can find a friend of mine there. He will tell you the local rules and help you guide the way." Xie Gubai said.

Zhu Menshang was surprised: "Do you have other friends?"

Zhu Menshang gave Li Jingfeng and Shen Weichen each a bottle of top medicine. Shen Weichen thought that he was stingy and was much worse than last year. Zhu Menshang said: "I got into trouble last year. I had no choice but to learn from it this year. What about you, what do you want to give Jingfeng?" ?”

Shen Weichen smiled and said: "I can't do anything about it now. I can give it to Jingfeng before the Lantern Festival, and it's still a Chinese New Year."

The gifts Xie Gubai received were all medicinal materials for regulating the body and replenishing Qi. Shen Yuqing sent a ginseng king that was more than half a foot long, with hair and beard complete, worth a thousand gold. Shen Weichen gave two kilograms of Cordyceps sinensis, all of which were taken care of by Zhu Menshang. After accepting it, Zhu Menshang gave him a medicinal pillow, saying it would help him sleep peacefully.

"You need to sleep more and do less to live longer." Zhu Menshang said.

Xie Gubai gave Shen Yuqing a five-color jade pendant with colorful vermilion patterns, yellow spots and green and white texture.

Zhu Menshang said: "Your colorful colors, even if they are rare, are they worth anything?"

Xie Gubai said: "Etiquette values ​​the heart, not gold and silver. Doctor Zhu is vulgar again."

Zhu Menshang snorted: "I'm so tacky now."

Shen Yuqing knew that this was borrowed from the allusion of Li Xuanxuan's five-color stone, and wanted him to use it to strengthen the sky.So he said: "I will always hang on."

Zhu Menshang gave Shen Yuqing a square paper bag and said mysteriously: "It will be of great benefit to you to open it after you go back."

He pretended to be pretentious and immediately aroused Shen Weichen's curiosity: "What do you want to give to eldest brother?"

Zhu Menshang smiled and said, "Little girl, don't ask, as long as your brother knows."

Shen Weichen said: "I am no longer a little girl." He reached out to take the paper bag in Shen Yuqing's hand. Zhu Menshang snatched it away and said with a smile: "I told you not to look, but you insist on looking, but Don’t regret it.”

Shen Yuqing's curiosity was also aroused, and she snatched the paper package from Zhu Menshang's hand: "Let me see what it is." She turned around and tore open the paper package, her cheeks were slightly red, and she frowned, "Doctor Zhu!"

Zhu Menshang laughed loudly: "You are already engaged, this is just appropriate and practical!"

Shen Weichen vaguely guessed that it was something indecent and said: "Doctor Zhu, it's a big Chinese New Year joke!"

Zhu Menshang defended: "How can this be a dirty joke? It's about food and sex!"

Li Jingfeng was still puzzled: "What exactly is it?"

Shen Weichen said: "Don't ask! Dr. Zhu bullies others and you have to drink wine as a penalty!"

Shen Yuqing's brother and sister are still in mourning and cannot drink, but others have no such restriction.Zhu Menshang poured a glass for himself and murmured in his mouth: "It's just a few erotic pictures, it's a waste of all my good intentions, tsk..."

Although Shen Yuqing was embarrassed, she still put away the gift and said, "Thank you, Doctor Zhu."

Xie Gubai also gave Shen Weichen a map. "Why do you give away maps?" Zhu Menshang complained, "They are all without qualifications."

"This is the topographic map that Ruoshan and I drew when we passed through Xiangdi. I also gave Commander Peng a copy before he set off. This is for my own use, so that I can know the topography of Xiangdi when heading to Hengshan."

Shen Weichen smiled and said: "This works."

Zhu Menshang muttered: "His pictures are useful, but mine are useless. That's all, I see I'm not popular in Qingcheng, everyone despises me."

Shen Yuqing smiled and said: "If Dr. Zhu is more serious, who wouldn't respect him?"

Zhu Menshang snorted: "Let me see what you gave me."

Shen Yuqing gave Zhu Menshang a pair of gold needles. Although they were expensive, they were not practical and had greater commemorative significance. Shen Weichen joked that if Zhu Menshang owed money, he could exchange them for silver, so she herself gave a stone as big as a fist.

"This is a gambling stone." Shen Weichen said with a smile, "Only when I cut it open did I know whether it was jade or stone. My uncle Wu bought it for me in Qiandi a few years ago and passed it on to you. If you want to find good seeds, you have to fight them." Give me an earring."

Zhu Menshang said: "This has been passed on to two hands and no one wants it."

Xie Gubai gave Zhu Menshang a gold amulet and wrote that he was safe and well. "I saw that you had a bad luck last year, so I will help you pray for a peace charm this year."

Zhu Menshang rolled his eyes: "I was unlucky last year and spent most of my time following you."

Even Amao had gifts. Zhu Menshang gave her a copy of "Baicao Gejue", Xie Gubai gave her a "Thousand-Character Classic" to learn calligraphy, and Shen Yuqing gave her a small medicine pot for boiling medicine, which was quite exquisite.Amao was growing taller and more mature, so Shen Weichen gave her a leather jacket and new shoes.Amao disliked it all over. First he said he couldn't understand "Baicao Song Jue", and he disliked "Thousand Character Essay" as a piece of shit. The small medicine pot can only make a few cups of tea. Do you want me to get rid of my new shoes?

Even so, she accepted all the gifts after all.

Everyone exchanged gifts, drank wine, chatted, and played dice for fun. When it was almost time, they dispersed.Li Jingfeng secretly stuffed something into Shen Weichen while no one was paying attention.

Shen Weichen took it and felt that the tentacles were cold and hard, like a piece of metal. He asked in a low voice: "What is it?"

Li Jingfeng blushed and whispered: "A gift."

Shen Weichen knew that it was unique to him, and felt very warm in his heart. He turned around and looked at the light. It was an iron sign about an inch long and wide, with eight characters chiselled on it: "Chongqing water determines love, and this heart will never change." He couldn't help but be moved.I also saw the calligraphy with iron calligraphy and silver hooks. I was surprised that Li Jingfeng couldn't write it, but after taking a closer look, it looked familiar. Isn't it his brother's calligraphy?Looking up, he saw Shen Yuqing looking at him with a half-smile but not a smile. He couldn't help but feel embarrassed and hurriedly put away the iron plate. He guessed that Li Jingfeng had no money and asked a blacksmith to make an iron plate as a souvenir, but he didn't know what to write. So I asked my brother.

Zhu Menshang saw the two of them sneaking around and asked, "Little sister, why are you snickering?"

Shen Weichen made a face: "I won't tell you."

Shen Yuqing said: "Today is New Year's Eve. During the New Year's Day, all worries and unhappiness should be left behind. If there is nothing important these days, everyone will gather together."

Xie Gubai also said: "Compared to Xu Fangge, Deputy Chief Zhuge and Chief Li, we are much more comfortable this year."

Indeed, on the first day of the new year, Shen Yuqing received a secret letter, informing the spies sent to Diancang that two ballads were being sung in Kunming city.

"With three legs, you can ascend the great treasure, and the sun and moon will show you the king's omen.

Roast dog meat, become a prince, brothers, relatives and friends become prisoners of death. "

"Prince Liang is in charge of Chang'an, and the dwarf is sitting in Yunnan.

King Yan burned Jinling, how can there be an uncle-nephew relationship? "

So far, the plan is going well.I hope this year will be a good one, Shen Yuqing thought.

(End of this chapter)